Playset creates safe place to play during pandemic

By Philip, wish dad

Right before her second birthday, the whole right side of Hope’s body locked up. While we initially thought it was nerve damage, MRIs diagnosed Hope with brain cancer. She went through several months of physical and occupational therapy. We, as parents, were struggling.
 
After our initial meeting with the Make-A-Wish volunteers, they continually sent Hope letters and packs of her favorite stickers. Right at the time when we needed it the most, Hope would run around covered in stickers. It was a wonderful reminder that she is still a happy kid. This made our journey a little bit easier because we weren’t in it alone.
 
As a family, we went through the process of asking Hope what she truly wanted in her life; what wish would make her the happiest. After going back and forth, she finally said, “I want a playground!” In the specific neighborhood where we live, there are no playgrounds nearby. When I finally showed Hope all of the different things that were available to her, she ran around the house yelling with joy.

Since we have received Hope’s playground structure, I can’t keep her inside! The structure has features beyond her current capabilities, so she can grow into it and develop skills while playing. Hope is already using the parts of her body that were weakened by her cancer, and it is so wonderful to go through this process with her.
 
After seeing the effect that the Make-A-Wish family had on our lives, I can say without a doubt that this program makes a positive difference and brings joy to families when they need it the most. It is hard to imagine when it is not you, but just know it makes a difference.